Apple’s smart glasses are delayed as the company aims to avoid causing a privacy controversy.
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Apple is taking additional time to ensure that its smart glasses avoid inheriting Meta's unsettling reputation.
According to Bloomberg, Apple could present its first smart glasses at WWDC in June 2027, with a consumer launch anticipated later that year. The device, known internally as N50, was initially set for a late 2026 announcement and an early 2027 release.
The delay reportedly arises from Apple's engineering and marketing teams taking more time to refine the product and address privacy concerns related to having cameras on a person's face. Privacy is said to be the primary focus for the teams developing these glasses.
Apple has a clear example of the privacy issues to avoid
Apple doesn't need to speculate about the privacy challenges. Meta’s glasses have already highlighted these issues. As previously reported, an underground market has emerged for services and accessories aimed at covering or disabling the recording indicator on Ray-Ban Meta glasses. In response, Meta announced that the camera would cease to function if the light was altered.
Instagram has also begun removing accounts that used the glasses to film and harass individuals. Two pickup-artist accounts with over a million followers each were recently taken down, though deleting footage after it has been shared offers little relief to those unaware they were being recorded.
Apple has long positioned privacy as a core value of its brand. Thus, it’s understandable that the company is exercising caution before entering the smart glasses market.
Apple has contemplated limiting camera usage
Apple has reportedly considered versions of the glasses without cameras, as well as a model where cameras can analyze surroundings without the ability to record images or video. This approach could still enable features like object recognition, navigation, Siri functionality, calls, and music playback.
The company is also expected to prioritize on-device processing, avoid facial recognition, keep recordings out of AI training, and implement a more visible light around the camera. Eliminating video capture would reduce controversy around the glasses but could also make them less appealing. Apple now faces the challenge of retaining this feature without adopting Meta's negative reputation.
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Apple’s smart glasses are delayed as the company aims to avoid causing a privacy controversy.
Apple's smart glasses might not be available to consumers until late 2027, as the company is addressing the challenge of incorporating cameras without infringing on privacy.
